TIA NEWS
The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu has demanded the centre to promulgate an ordinance to revive the banned traditional game Jallikattu in the state. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra modi, the party general secretary VK Sasikala has said the event is inextricably linked to the rural and agrarian customs that helps in the preservation of the native germ plasm of high value bulls.
She has urged the Union Environment and Forest Ministry to denotify bulls from the list of performing animals through the ordinance route for its resumption, as the Pongal festivities are close by.
The game is banned by the Supreme Court since 2014 under the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The chorus for lifting the ban is increasing in Tamil Nadu with all the political parties raising their voices for the resumption of the bull taming game.
Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam has said he is hopeful of a favourable Supreme Court verdict for conducting Jallikattu in the state. In a statement issued in Chennai explaining the sequence of events leading to its ban by the apex court, he has blamed the UPA government for the ban.
He has said the inclusion of bulls in the list of performing animals in July 2011 notification by the Government in which the DMK was a part formed the basis for the judgment banning the game. As the Centre’s January 2016 ordinance permitting Jallikattu with additional safeguards has also been struck down by the apex court, he has said he hinges his hope on its final verdict that has been reserved.